Mission: URGENT—Urge the University of Southern California to Cancel Dove Release

Posted by Calvin on May 10, 2024

Update (May 10, 2024): Sadly, it appears that the University of Southern California went through with the dove release at today’s commencement ceremony. Please continue to reach out to officials urging them to choose an animal-free alternative at all future events.

Original text:

URGENT: The University of Southern California is apparently planning to release doves at its commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10. 😰🕊️ It appears that the university has been engaging in this cruel tradition for several years—let’s make 2024 the year it finally stops!

These captive-bred birds are typically forced to live in poor conditions, and releasing them in this manner can be straight-up life-threatening. They will frantically try to return home and can wander around for days without eating or resting. 😨 During this stressful period, the birds may be seriously hurt or killed by extreme weather conditions or attacks from predators. 😭

PETA has received a ton of calls from folks who have found badly injured or malnourished banded birds. Our staff have even picked up the remains of several who were killed by hawks and falcons. 😱 Let’s be clear: Doves don’t deserve to be scared, hurt, and killed for a celebration. Period. 👏

What You Can Do

PETA has urged university officials to scrap this part of the event, but we’ve been given the cold shoulder. 😒 Now it’s your turn—follow these steps to help prevent doves from suffering and earn 15 peta2 points in our Rewards Program.

1. Hit up the following officials, politely asking that they cancel the dove release portion of the event, and take a screenshot of your e-mail or comment:

• Dr. Carol Folt

President
[email protected]; [email protected]

• Andrew Guzman

Provost [email protected]

• University of Southern California
  [email protected]

2. Submit your screenshot for 15 peta2 points. (Heads-up: You’ll only get points once for taking this action.)